Question 1

What are the specs of the DS-20?

Accepted Answer

The DS-20 has the following specifications: 20.42ft LOA, 7.58ft beam, 4ft draft, 1,850lb displacement, 650.1lb ballast. Hull type: mono. Rig: Fractional Sloop. Keel: Fin, Variable.

Question 2

Who built the DS-20 and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by Schwill Yachts Inc. (CAN), designed by Diller & Schwill, first built in 1972, with production ending in 1983.

Question 3

Is the DS-20 good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The DS-20 is classified as a Daysailer. It has a comfort ratio of 10.25, which means it has a sportier ride, better suited for coastal and protected waters. The capsize screening ratio is 2.47, which is best suited for coastal cruising.

Question 4

How fast is the DS-20?

Accepted Answer

The DS-20 has a sail area to displacement ratio of 18.09, which indicates moderate performance suitable for cruising. The displacement to length ratio is 139.97, making it a light displacement sailboat.

Question 5

How much does it cost to maintain a DS-20?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a DS-20 is estimated at $600 – $1.6K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 6

How much does it cost to own a DS-20 per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the DS-20 (20.42ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $600 – $1.6K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $500-$2000/year (based on $unknown average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 20.42ft boat: Florida: $3,700-$9,800/year. California: $3,400-$8,600/year. Massachusetts: $2,600-$5,700/year + $800 winter storage. New York: $2,600-$7,100/year + $800 winter storage. Maryland: $2,500-$4,400/year. Texas: $1,500-$4,400/year. Washington: $2,900-$6,400/year. Michigan: $1,400-$3,100/year + $800 winter storage. North Carolina: $2,200-$4,400/year. South Carolina: $3,200-$6,100/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $3K to $16K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 7

How much does it cost to dock a DS-20?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the DS-20 (20.42ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $3,700-$9,800/year. California: $3,400-$8,600/year. Massachusetts: $2,600-$5,700/year + $800 winter storage. New York: $2,600-$7,100/year + $800 winter storage. Maryland: $2,500-$4,400/year. Texas: $1,500-$4,400/year. Washington: $2,900-$6,400/year. Michigan: $1,400-$3,100/year + $800 winter storage. North Carolina: $2,200-$4,400/year. South Carolina: $3,200-$6,100/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 8

What are the common problems with the DS-20?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 3 issues reported for the DS-20 by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in deck, rigging, structural, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the DS-20.

Question 9

What should I look for when buying a DS-20?

Accepted Answer

When buying a DS-20, SailPages.com has compiled 3 model-specific issues reported by owners across deck, rigging, structural. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the DS-20 includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 10

What are the sail dimensions of the DS-20?

Accepted Answer

The DS-20 has the following rig dimensions: I=17.8ft (foretriangle height), J=8.3ft (foretriangle base), P=20.6ft (mainsail luff), E=9.3ft (mainsail foot). Mainsail area: 177.3 sq ft. Jib area: 73.9 sq ft.

Question 11

How does the DS-20 compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The DS-20 is classified as a Daysailer by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 20.42ft LOA, comfort ratio 10.25, capsize ratio 2.47, SA/disp 18.09. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	20.42 ft
LWL	18.07 ft
Beam	7.58 ft
Draft	4 ft/ 1.83 ft min
Displacement	1,850 lb
Ballast	650.1 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	5.7 kn

Iforetriangle height	17.8 ft
Jforetriangle base	8.3 ft
Pmainsail luff	20.6 ft
Emainsail foot	9.3 ft
FLforestay	8.3 ft
Mainsail	177.3 sq ft
Jib (100%)	73.9 sq ft
Spinnaker	125.6 sq ft

DS-20

Specifications

Hull

Rig & Sails

About the DS-20

Performance

Pricing

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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